Sound insulation and sound absorption are often confused, but they serve different purposes. Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a space, while sound absorption improves sound quality in a room. Insulation and specialty windows can be added during construction, while acoustic foam or vinyl can be used in an existing structure. Plasterboard is the best material for sound insulation, but it is expensive and best planned for during construction. Homeowners may need to use multiple methods for some level of relief.
When it comes to sound absorbing materials, it is very important to distinguish between sound insulation and sound absorption. These two are often confused for the same thing. Soundproofing means blocking sound from entering or leaving a space, such as blocking street noise from entering a living area. Sound absorption is intended to improve the sound in a given room and is what those setting up a home theater or recording studio usually want. Insulation and specialty windows can be added during construction, while acoustic foam or vinyl can be used in an existing structure.
Either way, the best materials won’t perform as intended without some great planning. The greatest benefit from materials is obtained when they are put to work during construction. You may get some benefit from post-construction soundproofing installed, but not to the extent of a pre-construction plan. That said, there are many options for attempting soundproofing.
When trying to soundproof, insulation can be helpful when used in the appropriate areas. Floor insulation is an inexpensive and moderately effective way to block sound between floors in a home or other building. Apartment owners find it a practical method of drowning out sound between apartments on different floors. Insulation such as rock wool can be placed between the floor joists to absorb some noise. The best insulation for general soundproofing is cellulose that is sprayed into place.
Soundproof windows are made with special glass that claims to block outside noise. The panes of glass are created and installed specifically to block nuisances such as street noise or noisy buildings nearby. They are best paired with a heavy hold. They can be enhanced with curtains that will help muffle some additional sounds.
Manufacturers of soundproofing materials offer several options that can be placed during construction or after. Open cell foams work especially well and can be purchased under the name acoustic foam and can also be used for sound absorption. Sound absorbing vinyl, called mass loaded vinyl (MLV), is lightweight and has more mass than expected for such a thin material. It is this mass that gives vinyl its soundproofing capabilities.
Sound absorption is a different monster than soundproofing. Absorption is the type of sound enhancement needed for a recording studio, home theater, or conference room. It muffles other noises within that environment and helps keep the positive noises in the room.
In extreme situations, some homeowners choose to add an extra layer of wall to rooms, referred to as a room within a room. This literally involves building a new frame of floors and walls on top of the old one with a gap in between. The space absorbs a significant amount of the sound and improves the sound quality within the room. This method is more applicable to recording studios.
Specially constructed foams and sound panels can aid in sound absorption. Some of these foams look like egg crates, and some low-tech DIY homeowners choose to use real egg crates in their walls instead. These foams alone won’t provide an extreme level of sound insulation or absorption, but they can help.
Plasterboard is perhaps one of the best materials for sound insulation. When used between walls and in conjunction with rock wool insulation, it can really kill sounds as they attempt to leave or enter a space. However, it is not a cheap option and is best planned for during construction.
Not all claims made by the manufacturers of these materials can be supported by evidence. If a material sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. Homeowners shouldn’t expect a cheap, easy product to block out construction sounds outdoors, although they can expect to use several methods together to get at least some level of relief.
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